CMA Meeting Directory

For most of us, our first connection with CMA was at a meeting of Crystal Meth Anonymous. A meeting usually takes place at a specific time and place where two or more addicts come together for the purpose of recovery. In contrast to a meeting, a CMA group is a spiritual entity that exists beyond the specific time and place of the meeting for the purpose of carrying the message to the addict who still suffers. Regular meetings are encouraged to list their meeting time and place on local and national meeting lists. Groups are encouraged to register with CMA World Services and elect service representatives to the Area Assembly.

Whenever two or more crystal meth addicts come together for the purpose of recovery they can form a CMA group — providing that, as a group, they have no other affiliation. Each group's primary purpose should be to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. By Tradition, each group is autonomous, conducting itself as its members see fit, provided that its actions do not impact other groups or the CMA Fellowship as a whole. CMA does not govern individual meetings, instead relying upon the spiritual principles outlined in our Twelve Traditions and Traditions Concepts to guide each group's actions.

The Importance of Anonymity

Traditionally, CMA members have always taken care to preserve their anonymity at the "public" level: press, radio, television, films, and other media.

First, we know from experience that many crystal meth addicts might hesitate to turn to CMA for help if they thought others might discuss their problem publicly, even inadvertently. Newcomers should be able to seek help with assurance that their identities will not be disclosed to anyone outside the Fellowship.

Then, too, we believe that the concept of personal anonymity has a spiritual significance for us -- that it discourages the drives for personal recognition, power, prestige, or profit that have caused difficulties in some societies. Much of our relative effectiveness in working with crystal meth addicts might be impaired if we sought or accepted public recognition.

While each member of CMA is free to make his or her own interpretations of CMA Traditions, no individual member is ever recognized as a spokesperson for the Fellowship locally, nationally, or internationally. Each member speaks only for himself or herself.

Any CMA member may, for various reasons, "break anonymity" deliberately at the public level. Since this is a matter of individual choice and conscience, the CMA fellowship as a whole obviously has no control over such deviations from this tradition. It is clear, however, that such individuals do not have the approval of the overwhelming majority of members.

CMA is indebted to all media for their assistance in strengthening the tradition of anonymity over the years. From time to time, the CMA World Service Office contacts all major media in the United States and Canada, describing this Tradition and asking for cooperation in its observance.